Hawk Hill Online - January 2013

The Newsletter for Alumni, Parents and Friends

Chapel Choir Performs for the Pope During Eight-Day Pilgrimage to Rome

The 42-member student Chapel Choir, led by Noel Koenke, coordinator for liturgy and music at Saint Joseph’s University, traveled to Italy in January for an eight-day pilgrimage, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As part of their journey, they performed for Pope Benedict XVI – three times.

“It was probably the most incredible experience of my life,” said Shannon Gallagher ’14, “Just being in the presence of the Pope himself and having a chance to sing for him was very, very moving. People were going crazy, screaming ‘papa’ to him.”

“(Singing for the Pope) was such a highlight because of the fact that he is such an icon for Catholicism, the successor to Peter,” said Joe Donahue ’15. “It was such a fantastic trip for a choir to go on. We all really bonded.”

On Sunday, January 6, at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, while seated in close proximity to the Sistine Chapel Choir – one of the world’s oldest religious choirs – students were invited to sing the responsorial passages at a mass celebrated by the Pontiff for the Solemnity of the Epiphany.

The choir sat near the front of a Papal Audience with Pope Benedict XVI on January 9. When the choir was announced, the Pope waved to its members as they sang “O Come All Ye Faithful.” After the audience while the Pope was greeting special guests, the choir sang for him again. This time, it was a South African piece about social concern titled “Freedom is Coming.” They sang the second verse, “Jesus is Coming.”

In addition to singing for the Pope, the choir was the principal choir for an evening Solemn mass at Saint Peter’s, and performed at a public concert for the City of Rome in the Church of Saint Ignatius (photo above) and in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. They also visited Assisi and sang a mass at the Basilica of Saint Francis.

The group toured numerous sites throughout Rome. “Everyone’s eyes were wide and mouths open at the Sistine Chapel,” said Gallagher. “My favorite was the Holy Stairs that Saint Helena brought from Jerusalem to Rome. Twenty-eight stairs and we climbed all of them on our knees out of respect.”

“Emancipation Narratives” Panel Discussion Sheds Light on Freedom’s Meaning and Obligations
The “Emancipation Narratives” panel discussion on January 31 will focus on the meaning and obligations of freedom within the context of the Emancipation Proclamation’s 150th anniversary and 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The interdisciplinary panel, which features Saint Joseph’s faculty who use emancipation narratives in their work, includes:

The event, which is part of a yearlong push to emphasize themes related to freedom, is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Office of the President and Office of Mission and Identity, the panel is part of the Dean’s Colloquium series of the College of Arts and Sciences.January 31, 4 p.m.
Wolfington Teletorium, Mandeville Hall

'U.S. News' Ranks Three University
Online Programsamong the Best
Three Saint Joseph’s University online programs have been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 online education rankings. In the rankings, which were released on Jan. 15, Saint Joseph’s Haub School of Business was listed among the
top 20 – at No. 18 – among 148 online graduate business programs. Other online Saint Joseph’s programs recognized in the U.S. News rankings include graduate education, ranked at No. 38 of 143 programs, and bachelor’s programs, ranked at No. 70 of 160 programs. More >

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ALUMNI News

Obituary: Wendell Young ’60, Longtime Labor LeaderWendell W. Young III, 74, of Lafayette Hill, president emeritus of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 and an influential labor leader in Pennsylvania for many years, died of liver cancer Jan. 1 at his home. A 1960 Saint Joseph’s University graduate with a degree in political science, who later obtained an MBA from Rutgers University, Mr. Young was known for swift and aggressive action when he thought it warranted. More >

Moran, Bantom among Inaugural Class of Atlantic 10’s “Basketball Legends”
Hawks Basketball All-Americans Mike Bantom ’73 and Sue Moran ’02 earned spots in the inaugural class of Atlantic 10 Conference’s “Basketball Legends,” and will be honored on March 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., during the conference’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. More on Bantom > | More on Moran >

Related:Former Basketball standouts Marvin O’Connor and Angela Zampella Inducted into Big 5 Hall of Fame. | Induction videoWanted: Volunteers for Reunion CommitteesAs the calendar approaches spring, Saint Joseph’s graduates from classes ending in “3” and “8” can look forward to their reunions this fall at Hawktoberfest, October 11-13. The Alumni office seeks reunion committee volunteers to help plan class parties, encourage classmates to attend the weekend events, and participate in the class gift efforts. The responsibilities and time commitment are minimal but are key for a successful reunion. Please contact Lynn Langnas, associate director of class programs, at 610-660-3467 if you are interested.

STUDENT SECTION

University Dance Team Places Third in Two Categories at 2013 National College Dance Team Championship
The 14-woman Saint Joseph’s University Dance team – captained by Devin Tanney ’13 and Kelly Garrahan ’13 – is a national force with which to be reckoned. Under the direction of coaches Lauren Rossiter ’08, Christine Greve ’09 and Brittany Tanney ’09, the team recently placed third in the Division I Pom category (out of 11 teams) and Division I Hip Hop category (out of 26 teams) at the 2013 Universal Dance Association National College Dance Team Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.

Prior to Nationals, the team won its regional competition in both the Pom and Hip Hop categories, and received the “Best Choreography” award. Throughout the fall semester, the women practice four times a week for four hours at a time. In the days leading up to the regionals, they practiced eight hours a day. Rossiter estimated that each dancer invested in excess of 200 hours into learning and perfecting their routines.

Now is your opportunity to become involved. Visit the Site Leader Information Center for everything you’ll need to know and register your site today!
Ethics in Insurance Symposium to Pose Difficult Questions, Share Best PracticesFrom the Enron failure of 2001 to the mortgage meltdown of 2007, scandal has pervaded corporate America for the past decade. The insurance industry, which touches everything from household to global commerce, has also had its share of ethical issues. To look into the many shades of gray in the insurance industry, the Academy of Risk Management & Insurance and Pedro Arrupe Center of Business Ethics at Saint Joseph’s University is hosting “Ethics in the Insurance Industry,” a half-day symposium for local insurers that will tackle topics often faced by those in the industry and share best practices. Featured speakers include senior executives from the insurance industry, corporate risk managers, brokerage firms, and Pennsylvania Department of Insurance. February 8, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wolfington Teletorium, Mandeville HallMORE HEADLINES

Time-Sensitive Opportunity for Donors 70½ and Older to Make a Charitable Gift from Your IRA
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (aka “Fiscal Cliff” legislation) extends the popular Charitable Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Rollover through December 31, 2013. This provision allows donors age 70½ and above to transfer funds from their IRA to a qualified charity without having to count that transfer as taxable income. Consider making an IRA rollover contribution in 2013 for a significant philanthropic impact – create or add to a named fund, scholarship, or a family legacy to support Catholic, Jesuit education at Saint Joseph’s University. Click for more information and frequently asked questions on the IRA charitable rollover. We recommend that you discuss this opportunity with your tax advisor. Please consult with your IRA custodian for specific instructions. If you have any questions, you or your advisor should contact Anat Becker at 610-660-1968.

Alumni, friends and parents are cordially invited to meet C. Kevin Gillespie, S.J. ʼ72 on his inaugural tour that will take him across the country for a series of informal receptions hosted by University benefactors.

The Haub School of Business invites you to attend the free Hawk2Hawk: Cocktails & Conversation with exclusive access to the Franklin Institute’s “Titanic: Artifacts Exhibition.” The exhibition showcases more than 300 artifacts conserved from the ship's debris field. Board Titanic using a replica White Star Line ticket belonging to an actual passenger, touch an iceberg, and learn about artifact recovery and conservation. For more information, email Tom Fithian ’98, MBA ’07 or call 610-660-2301. Register > March 7, 6 – 9 p.m.
Franklin Institute, Philadelphia
SheUnited Conference
Upwards of 600 women from the Saint Joseph's University community will convene for the second SheUnited Conference that will feature topics covering health, career and spirituality. Co-chaired by Rosemarie Greco ’75 and Mary Lou Quinlan ’75.March 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hagan Arena

Time is running short to join your fellow Hawks for a mid-winter destination weekend in Florida. This year’s seventh annual Hawks in Florida getaway is February 7 – 10, at the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort in Naples.

The keywords for this break from the hustle and bustle are rejuvenation and camaraderie. Treat yourself at the beachfront SpaTerre, take in the charming shops at the Village on Venetian Bay or simply lounge on the white sandy beach. Cheer on the Hawks versus the UMass Minutemen at Saturday afternoon’s game watch.

On Saturday evening, join University leaders for cocktails and dinner and enjoy the lovely sunset over Vanderbilt Bay.